Rochdale Hornets

11th January 2019, 18:06

Match Preview: Hornets vs Mayfield

Rochdale Hornets get a new era in the club’s history underway on
Saturday against local amateur side Mayfield ARLFC.

Under the helm of Carl Foster, the Hornets start their preseason campaign against a side that finished 8th in the National Conference last season and reached the second round of the Challenge Cup.

The Hornets themselves finished last season 11th in the Championship picking up a crucial win away at Sheffield on the final day of the season to guarantee themselves a place in the second division once again.

When it comes to recruitment the Hornets have not laid off the gas, acquiring former Castleford and Wakefield hooker Scott Moore during the off season as well as a number of youngsters who have represented a number of international sides. This includes St Helens academy graduate Ben Morris who has represented Wales on several occasions.

2019 will be an ambitious year for both clubs with a partnership between both clubs being announced. This will see Carl Forster’s side train at Mayfield’s facilities and will prove vital to the club’s upcoming campaign.

Forster is pleased with how pre-season preparations have gone and is looking forward to seeing how the younger players in the squad fair.

“It will be good to see how our younger boys go against a tough opposition,” said Forster.

“Friendlies are friendlies for a reason, it’s just about getting some game time in for us and trying out some new combinations.

"We have a new squad and it’s going to take time to gel.

“I’m hoping the friendlies will give me a big indication at what our best seventeen is come matchday one of the new season when we face Dewsbury.”